A passionate and committed volunteer of more than 30 years, Brotherhood Crusade supporter KARIM WEBB understands the needs of underserved youth and mentors them to become future leaders of their community.
On November 10, NFL Defensive Player of the Year AARON DONALD and SoCal Honda representatives made a trip to South Los Angeles to visit Brotherhood Crusade and recognize Webb as a Community Quarterback Award Winner for his exceptional community stewardship. As an entrepreneurial-activist, Webb is constantly thinking of new and creative ideas for how he can better serve youth in need. With efforts such as teaching life skills sessions and providing food for the homeless, Webb believes he is simply doing his part as a concerned citizen.
"We're here to thank Kareem for all the good things he and Brotherhood Crusade do for our community," said Donald. "We wanted to show him and these kids that we support everything they're doing and that we're here for them."
Aside from his volunteer efforts and responsibilities as a member of Brotherhood Crusade's Corporate Advisory Board, Webb is the owner of several Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants throughout Los Angeles. Every year during Thanksgiving, he opens one of his restaurants to feed Brotherhood Crusade families and has even provided employment opportunities for some of the organization's youth. In addition, Webb recently spearheaded a "We Are Not Really Strangers" presentation to break down barriers and focus on commonalities. The presentation brought 300 people together including city officials such as: Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, and Councilmember Marqueece Dawson.
Karim Webb is the Rams Community Quarterback for his work with the Brotherhood Crusade.
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams hands a check for $10,000 to the Brotherhood Crusade, Tuesday, October 22, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
"In Los Angeles, we're all in it together," said Webb. "That's the kind of city we have, and I think it's obvious that the Rams believe in that philosophy as well. It takes people who care about fairness, equity, and opportunity to take the time to come out and infuse love on young people."
Not only did the surprise visit honor Webb, but it also highlighted the mission of Brotherhood Crusade and set an example for the youth they serve. Webb believes Donald's presence tied a bow to a $10,000 check presentation, but it also demonstrated how youth can be active participants in their communities for the benefit of their neighbors.
"This is amazing and a big surprise," said Webb. "What this does is emphasize what we preach our kids, that they're valuable. When an organization like the Rams, who are so important to our community, and people like Aaron Donald, who is one of the best in the world to ever do it, come to South LA to spend time with our young kids, it's heartwarming. I think Aaron's presence shows that we all must participate and give our time and resources to help people. Not only is this a great inspiration for these kids, it also validates what these great champions that work for Brotherhood Crusade are doing. It elevates what we do."
The Rams Foundation and SoCal Honda Dealers provide all Community QB winners with a $10,000 grant to further the mission of the nonprofit organization he or she serves and the opportunity to be recognized on-field at a Rams home game. Since the program's inception, the Rams have donated more than $410,000 to community organizations through the Community Quarterback initiative.
"This surprise visit and the donation are for the work Karim Webb and Brotherhood Crusade do for our community," said a SoCal Honda representative. "The kids had a chance to meet Aaron Donald and to see their reactions was really special. The Rams are a great partner in so many ways, and this was another demonstration showing how prominent they are in our community. For Aaron to choose to be here for this sends a strong message that means a lot to these kids and a lot to SoCal Honda Dealers."
Brotherhood Crusade is a non-profit, grassroots organization that aims to improve the quality of life and serve the unmet needs of low-income, under-represented and disenfranchised individuals. Their mission is to help individuals overcome the barriers that deter their pursuit of success and facilitate opportunities by improving health & wellness, facilitating academic success, promoting personal and economic growth, increasing financial literacy, and building community agencies and institutions. The Brotherhood Crusade provides direct services to approximately 3,000 underserved youth every year.
